Tanker carrying milk overturns on Route 287 south in Mahwah

A milk tanker on its way to Paterson flipped on its side early Monday morning on Route 287 near Mahwah, spilling thousands of gallons.

TARIQ ZEHAWI / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

A tractor trailer hauling milk rolled over on I-287 in Mahwah. Spilled milk could be seen in the stream running under I-287 at Darlington Road.

The accident occurred at about 3 a.m. on the south-bound lanes around mile marker 64.9, authorities said.

The roadway’s left lane, which was closed during the clean-up and investigation, reopened at10 a.m.

A white liquid could be seen in nearby streams. State environmental officials were told about 2,000 gallons of milk had spilled, according to Larry Ragonese, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection. The milk was not considered an envionmental hazard.

Crews cleaned up a “minor” diesel spill of about 100 gallons or less, Ragonese said.

The Bergen County Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team is on the scene, State Police Trooper Steve Zelinski said.

Authorities cut a hole into the side of the tanker and it appears that the tanker will be drained.

The Midland Farms, Inc. tanker has a 6,000 gallon capacity, said Missy Shorey, company spokeswoman, though it’s not clear if it was full.

The tanker’s commercial licensed driver was taken to the hospital for minor injuries, Shorey said.

Tanker carrying milk overturns on Route 287 south in Mahwah

A tractor trailer hauling milk rolled over on I-287 in Mahwah. Spilled milk could be seen in the stream running under I-287 at Darlington Road.

By STEFANIE DAZIO and TARIQ ZEHAWI

staff writers |

The Record

A milk tanker on its way to Paterson flipped on its side early Monday morning on Route 287 near Mahwah, spilling thousands of gallons.

The accident occurred at about 3 a.m. on the south-bound lanes around mile marker 64.9, authorities said.

The roadway’s left lane, which was closed during the clean-up and investigation, reopened at10 a.m.

A white liquid could be seen in nearby streams. State environmental officials were told about 2,000 gallons of milk had spilled, according to Larry Ragonese, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection. The milk was not considered an envionmental hazard.

Crews cleaned up a “minor” diesel spill of about 100 gallons or less, Ragonese said.

The Bergen County Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team is on the scene, State Police Trooper Steve Zelinski said.

Authorities cut a hole into the side of the tanker and it appears that the tanker will be drained.

The Midland Farms, Inc. tanker has a 6,000 gallon capacity, said Missy Shorey, company spokeswoman, though it’s not clear if it was full.

The tanker’s commercial licensed driver was taken to the hospital for minor injuries, Shorey said.